One of the best songs of the 70’s. I love these trips down memory lane.
A few months ago I looked up the meaning to “73 men sailing” in hopes of learning more about any history involved in the lyrics. Was surprised at, yet mildly disappointed in, the answer.
Used to hear it on the radio all the time growing up.
I recall that song. I never knew anything about the context of the lyrics. I just thought it was a belated take on Yellow Submarine fantasy.
I would guess that during the 70’s many a lid of Panama Red was burned with this song playing in the background.
I heard it was about one of the Spanish explorers going to the New World. Cortez, maybe.
Song seems to be a hippie hopeful paean to going to a happy life different from the “normal” stress filled life.
Well, we’re waiting.
The drugs of that time which were supposed to universally “enlighten” us didn’t quite do the job. Neither did the communes, macrobiotic foods, or Woodstock. Still stressin’ but dreams like that must not pass on.
A second big “party” song of that time was Something In The Air by Thunderclap Neuman. It had a lot of blues piano in it. The lead singer had a rough Bar Room sort of voice. “We have got to get it together!”
I always get this mixed up with “I’m Your Captain” by Grand Funk. They kind of sounded like the first half and second half of a mini-sailing opera.